The most effective car seat and stroller combos almost appear to be able to attach themselves. "Look for an appropriate base and a carrier that click together easily," advises Stanton. This minimizes the potential for errors that can happen during the installation process and detachment.
One option that accomplishes this is the Doona, which seamlessly transforms from car seat to stroller, and also frees up trunk space. Online reviews have noted that it feels sturdy but they also appreciate its ease of use and its functionality.Easy to Assemble
Parents who don't want to change between strollers and car seats often find a mix of both attractive. It's also a great option for parents who take rides or public transportation frequently as well as those who change caregivers. Stanton states that since they are a single item and the wheels are attached, the car seats are more mobile. However, she notes that it's essential to ensure that the car seat is properly secured when you use it with an electronic travel system. She suggests that you always follow the manufacturer's directions and the owner's manual for your vehicle to ensure a secure fit.
In our tests, we found that the best stroller and car seat combos come with a simple click-in connection that requires minimal effort other than shifting the car from one to another. They scored higher in comparison to models with more complicated connections because they require less pressure and offer fewer chances to make mistakes, whether they are intentional or accidental. For instance, we love that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple, drop-in attachment that requires no straps. Additionally, there's an indicator on the car seat base that tells you when it's properly leveled.
The Doona All-in One Infant Car Seat Stroller it's also simple to install and switch from car to stroller. It's a seamless change that frees up extra trunk space for shopping and other errands. It also has a swivel wheel at the front that allows for excellent maneuverability even with a seat attached.
Another alternative is Britax B Lively and B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It features a springy chassis and an enormous one-hand fold chassis that makes it easy to store. It comes with a large storage basket as well as plenty of cup holders to store drinks, snacks, and baby gear. The padded seat is comfortable for long journeys, and the smooth, tagless knit fabric is washed in the machine. It's FAA-approved and comes with an safety harness that is secured at or below your baby's shoulders and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone to protect them in the event of a crash.
A great travel system should be simple to push. Our top picks have rubber tires and a single, rotating wheel at the front to navigate busy sidewalks and streets. The Thule Urban Glide pram pushchair 2 in 1 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all smooth-gliding and have useful features such as one-hand brake and a large storage basket.
Easy to store
Parents who want their baby to be as comfortable as possible are better off choosing a car seat and stroller combination, whether running errands for the day or planning an excursion with the family. Stroller-car seat combos are simpler to maneuver than separate items, and a number of models have convenient features that set them apart from the rest. It's important to remember that the car seat has to be compatible with the stroller in order for them to work. The manufacturer of the car seat must provide guidelines on what kinds of strollers are compatible with their product, and a quick online search can help find the right stroller.
Some strollers and carseats come with an attachment that snaps in place without the need for straps or complicated assembly. This kind of simple attachment is a major benefit for families that frequently use public transportation or ride-share vehicles. The Doona for instance, is an FAA-approved infant car seat that is able to transform into a stroller with just the touch of the button. This is a huge time saver and makes it easy to avoid having a stroller checked on airplanes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your child) or to hop into and out of taxis.
Other stroller-car seat combinations like the Nuna TrVL let parents remove the infant car seat from the base of the stroller and fold it into a compact package which can be tucked away inside the trunk. This is an excellent feature for parents with a busy schedule. The stroller itself has a sleek design with top quality fabrics and also smart touches like a built in canopy with a drape that can protect a baby who's sleeping.
In the end, the ideal 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will be contingent on your lifestyle, plans for growth, and budget. The most affordable options will likely be frame strollers that accommodate a car seat with the smallest amount of space. On the other hand, more expensive combos could include a toddler seat or twin strollers and have more advanced features. You can be certain that the stroller meets all safety standards.
Easy to carry
These combos are perfect for families that want to avoid checking the gate of the infant car seat while flying. They are also ideal for those who frequently use public transportation and ride-shares. These strollers and cars seats are easy to carry, making them perfect for parents who want their hands free while traveling with their children.
Find a light and compact 2 in 1 travel system in 1 stroller/car seat. These models tend to move more smoothly, which could make them easier to push across various terrains. In addition, the smaller frame can aid in getting the car seat into and out of a trunk or at the rear of a vehicle.
A few of the most well-known car seat/stroller combinations are light compact and foldable casters for easy storage. For instance the Cosco Finale 2 in 1 carrycot and pushchair-in-1 is a no-frills seat that can be converted from a rear-facing five-point harness to an infant booster when children are no longer in a baby carrier. It's light (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps that are simple to use.
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona, which is an exceptional model because it's a single piece equipment that transitions from a rear-facing infant car seat to a stroller with just a few clicks. This lets you skip the step of removing the base of the seat and makes it much easier to move up and down stairs or get into taxis without having to store the car seat.
Doonas are a fantastic budget-friendly choice, especially for new parents. It's less than the cost of one year's gym membership and it gives new parents peace of mind knowing that they're equipped with safe travel gear for their baby.
Many families choose two in one pram-piece car seats/strollers when they're deciding on an infant carrier of a specific brand or have plans for multiple children. If this is the situation, make sure you read the product specs to ensure your chosen stroller and car seat can work together. Consider buying an adapter that will fit the combination you want.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are an excellent option for parents who want one piece of baby gear that can serve multiple purposes. They are able to easily switch from being a car seat to a stroller and then back to a car seat, and are generally more maneuverable than two-piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more easily portable," says Stanton. "They contain fewer moving parts which makes them more compact to fold and use as well as carry."
Additionally, these types of strollers and car seats for infants are generally lighter than two-piece models and fit in smaller trunks, making them easy to carry around. They also tend to have a larger cargo basket and more useful features such as cup holders and sun shades. Some have a swivel wheels on the front that can be used to navigate busy sidewalks and stores.
Certain brands, like Doona provide an all-in-one baby stroller and car seat. These are especially beneficial for parents who use rideshares or public transportation, or who change caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing child car seat with wheels that can be converted into a stroller.
Some brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to click the car seat into the frame and then unfold it into a stroller. This model is not as sleek as Doona but you can remove the car seat without needing to click into its base.
You should also think about whether a particular stroller and infant car seat combination can fit your preferred car seat brand. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, you can expect a longer-lasting product as it will fit your child after they have outgrown the infant car seats.
It's important to understand that certain stroller and car seats aren't very effective in our user-friendliness tests. This could be due to an design that makes it difficult or uncomfortable to navigate stairs, or due to the weight of the car seat and stroller could make it difficult to push on different terrains. It is worth reading our reviews to determine which model is the best one for you.